Serbia-Egypt FTA enters into force

BELGRADE - A Serbia-Egypt FTA entered into force on Monday, enabling duty-free trade for almost 50 pct of agricultural and 30 pct of industrial products.

The agreement was signed in Cairo on July 13, 2024, and approved by the Serbian parliament on March 13, 2025.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS) Vice President Mihailo Vesovic has said that, in the first stage, trade liberalisation would mostly apply to agricultural products, with all duties on more than 90 pct of agricultural and industrial products to be lifted gradually over the next ten years.

"The agreement also brings streamlined administrative procedures, certification and reduction of trade barriers. Besides, it opens up space for new investment and for joint investments by Serbian and Egyptian companies, especially for the purpose of activities in third-country markets," he said.

Vesovic also noted that Egypt was a major gateway to African and Middle Eastern markets and that the FTA created opportunities for boosting Serbian exports to those regions.

Following talks launched in June 2022, Serbia became the first Balkan country to sign a FTA with Egypt, the PKS said in a statement.